The family of the noted educationist was present in the Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive the award.

The President also awarded Padma Vibhushan to political leaders LK Advani, Parkash Singh Badal and lawyer Harish Salve.

The government had announced the decision to award Bharat Ratna to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on December 24 last year.

Born in on December 25, 1861, Pandit Malaviya was catapulted into the political arena immediately after his first moving speech at the second Congress session held in Kolkata in 1886. He was President of INC in 1909 and 1918.

His main achievement was the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University.

Malaviya is also remembered for his stellar role in the Independence movement and his espousal of Hindu nationalism.